As of today, the start of Oregon’s college football season is 48 days away.

Many in the media anticipate the Ducks winning their first eight going into Los Angeles against USC on Nov. 3.

But there is at least two games before then — and two games after — where things could get dicey for Oregon. Here is a look:

Mike Leach, Washington State's new head coach

Sept. 29: Oregon at WSU (in Seattle) — Coach Mike Leach will be an unknown — at least in the Pac-12 Conference for a bit, and this will be the Ducks first conference road game, albeit in Qwest Field in Seattle, that will have plenty of Oregon fans on hand. Given Leach’s history at Texas Tech of taking less-skilled players and turning them into giant-killers, the Cougars could put up a fight into the second half.

Oct. 6: Washington at Oregon — It’s the Huskies in Eugene. Enough said, particularly in light of the Ducks’ 8-game winning streak in the series, right? Well, all streaks must end eventually, and UW coach Steve Sarkisian is on a mission to beat Oregon. Will this be the year? Could the Huskies finally come away victorious? If the Ducks have turnover issues, then this one could be up for grabs.

Nov. 10: Oregon at Cal — The Ducks better be ready for this one — a week after they play USC — because you know the Bears will be well-prepped. Oregon has a history of struggling at California. The Bears should be significantly better than last year’s disappointing squad. Will they have enough to pull off the upset, though?

California coach Jeff Tedford

Nov. 17: Stanford at Oregon — The Cardinal is a bit of a mystery with Andrew Luck no longer around. But Stanford will field a big, tough offensive line and a good defense. By Week 11, the quarterbacking should be settled. But given this one is in Eugene, it will probably take some miscues on the part of the Ducks for Oregon to stumble.

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